For many people, the first thing that draws them to bird ownership is a parrot's colorful feathers. Whether you're looking for a red, green, blue, or purple companion, birds offer plenty of variety. But brightly colored plumage isn't the only trait a person should consider before adoption. These parrots are intelligent, social, active, and noisy animals that require a dedicated caretaker.
If you're ready for a feathered friend, here are eight of the most colorful parrot species.
- 01 of 08
Eclectus
JH Pete Carmichael/The Image Bank/Getty Images The Eclectus is one of the few sexually dimorphic parrot species, meaning the males and females have distinct appearances. Male birds display a vivid green color with red and blue accents while female birds have red and blue-purple feathers. These birds are generally friendly and easygoing, but they do appreciate a caretaker who can keep them on a regular daily routine.
Species Overview
Length: 17 to 20 inches
Weight: 13 to 19 ounces
Physical Characteristics: Primarily emerald green, red and blue under wings, and orange beak (male); primarily bright red, blue on chest and tail, and black beak (female)
02 of 08Sun Conure
shark_749/Getty Images
Sun conures have nearly the entire rainbow on their bodies. These captivating birds display red, yellow, and orange on their heads, chests, and wings. Those colors are offset with green and blue on their tail and flight feathers. Sun conures are often as loud as they are brightly colored. Their calls can be heard from miles away, and they're not shy about vocalizing to express their mood.
Species Overview
Length: 12 inches
Weight: 4 to 5 ounces
Physical Characteristics: Bright orange, yellow, and red with highlights of green and blue; black beak and feet; white circles around eyes
03 of 08Scarlet Macaw
Edd Lange/EyeEm/Getty Images
Scarlet macaws are beautiful parrots with red, yellow, and blue feathers. Their beauty can be very tempting for someone looking for a pet parrot, but it's important to consider more than their striking looks. These are large birds that require ample attention and space for exercise. They can be loud, messy, and moody pets that demand a lot from their caretakers.
Species Overview
Length: 31 to 38 inches
Weight: 32 to 39 ounces
Physical Characteristics: Vivid red with yellow and blue on wings and tail; white circles around eyes; tan upper bill and black lower bill; black feet
04 of 08Blue-and-Gold Macaw
Courtney Tran Photography/Moment Open/Getty Images As their name implies, blue-and-gold macaws display bright blue and yellow plumage over most of their body. They also have accents of rich green. These birds tend to be intelligent and sociable, and they love being the center of attention. But they need ample space to exercise, and they are prone to some ear-piercing vocalizations.
Species Overview
Length: 30 to 36 inches
Weight: 28 to 46 ounces
Physical Characteristics: Green forehead fading into teal on nape, back, tail, and wings; yellow chest and underside of wings; large black beak
Continue to 5 of 8 below05 of 08Lilac-Crowned Amazon
Dopeyden/Getty Images
Like most Amazon parrots, lilac-crowned Amazons are green over the majority of their body with a deep lilac on the top of their head. These birds are generally curious and active, and they need plenty of mental and physical exercise. They tend to form strong bonds with their caretakers and prefer several hours a day of socialization.
Species Overview
Length: 12 to 14 inches
Weight: 11 ounces
Physical Characteristics: Mostly green; yellow-green face; red band across forehead; lilac on top of head and collar
06 of 08Hyacinth Macaw
Pete Turner/Getty Images
In addition to being one of the most brightly colored parrots, hyacinth macaws are the largest parrot species. They're also among the most gentle and affectionate birds. However, they're not the ideal pet for everyone. Hyacinth macaws have a reputation for being very sensitive. They need a calm environment and several hours per day of socialization to thrive.
Species Overview
Length: 40 inches
Weight: 42 to 51 ounces
Physical Characteristics: Solid blue plumage; yellow patches around eyes and beak; black beak; dark gray feet
07 of 08Rose-Breasted Cockatoo
AlexandraPhotos/Getty Images
Rose-breasted cockatoos are pink, gray, and white birds with charming personalities. Their colors are more subdued than some other parrots, but their uniqueness makes them quite attractive. Like most cockatoos, these birds are very affectionate and sensitive. They require calm, patient caretakers who have a lot of time to spend interacting with their birds.
Species Overview
Length: 12 to 15 inches
Weight: 10 to 14 ounces
Physical Characteristics: Pink chest and lower part of face; pinkish-white crest; gray back, wings, and tail; gray feet; tan beak
08 of 08Green-Wing Macaws
PanuRuangjan/Getty Images
With a mostly vivid red body, green-wing macaws display bright stripes of green and blue on the backs of their wings. They're often considered "gentle giants" of the macaw family for their typically calm demeanor. However, they can be very adamant—if not obsessive—about craving attention from their favorite humans.
Species Overview
Length: 26 to 40 inches
Weight: 32 to 60 ounces
Physical Characteristics: Red on head, shoulders, and breast; green on middle of wings turning to blue toward the tips; teal and red tail, red lines around eyes; tan upper bill and black lower bill
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